Redpath - "...the passion and commitment was there..."

Speaking to the media after the Bath game on Sunday afternoon, Gloucester Rugby Head Coach Bryan Redpath expressed his delight with the workrate shown by his team.

In front of a watching television audience, Gloucester Rugby got their Guinness Premiership season off to a winning start, defeating Bath by 24 points to 5.

There were certainly areas to improve but, amidst the euphoria of victory, Redpath admitted it was his team's application that caught his eye.

"The most pleasing part for me was seeing every single player working hard. The backs, for example, worked really hard. Finishing off a try looks great but preventing one being scored is just as important."

Q. You must have been happy with how your new players at 10 and 12 went?

"I was delighted with both of them. Nicky's got a reputation for being a very calm, tactically aware player. We saw that for Cardiff last year."

"He's been unlucky for Wales because he's had a few good players in front of him like Hook and Jones which have prevented him from attaining more honours."

"He controlled the game well. He did make a couple of mistakes but he took some risks on a percentage basis and I thought, overall, he was outstanding."

"Eliota was the same. I think the game had a little bite for him with it being his former club. He was one of those who worked extremely hard defensively, made his carries strongly when he had to."

"His known skills in the past have been in terms of beating a man and offloading the ball and sometimes it's really pleasing to see someone work hard in other areas like putting their head in where it hurts."

"Sinbad (James Simpson-Daniel) did likewise. I thought he worked hard in the areas where he needed to. People tend to overlook what he can offer in the contact areas. I was pleased with all the contributions today."

Q. There was a real attitude about your team today. What's changed since last season?

"I've been pretty honest with them. I've said that you can't blame everything on others or on external factors."

"Every time you go on the pitch, it's about you. Every time the players take the field at Kingsholm, the supporters want commitment and passion."

"And, if you don't want to play for your club or you don't feel that passion, then maybe you should move on."

"We lost that a little last season but the evidence so far in preseason and also today is that the passion and commitment to the club cause is there."

"It was key to put to bed some of the nightmares from the end of last season and to do it quickly."

"We've started with a new group and pledged that we'll work hard. We may not win every time but all I can ask is that they put everything on the line and not hide behind any excuses."

"And, when you play at Kingsholm, with all those people cheering for you, I don't think that's too much to ask."

Q. Will you make changes for next week?

"Morgs (Olly Morgan) is pretty much ready to rumble and Naz (Luke Narraway) and Bucko (Peter Buxton) are just about there as well so we can make changes if we want to."

"And I'm sure after watching that, They'll be chomping at the bit to get back in the action."

Fly-half Billy Burns was named Man of the Match after the 35-14 European Rugby Challenge Cup victory over Stade Rochelais on Thursday evening, and was full of praise for all his team mates for the win after a short turnaround.

Gloucester have been in good form in recent weeks, but Backs Coach Tim Taylor knows that the Cherry and Whites will have to be at their best on Thursday evening (kick off 7:45pm) against a Stade Rochelais side flying high this season.

Speaking to GRTV after the bonus point win over Bristol, back row Lewis Ludlow revealed that despite a tricky first half, Gloucester backed their skills to come through, a faith that was evident in a strong second half showing.

Willi Heinz scored Gloucester's second try as the Cherry and Whites overturned a disappointing first 40 minutes and 0-6 half time deficit, to earn a 26-18 Aviva Premiership victory over Bristol Rugby on Saturday.

Gloucester's much changed side had to overcome conceding an early try on Thursday evening, but responded in style to down Stade Rochelais by 35 points to 14 in the European Rugby Challenge Cup and set up a mouthwatering return fixture next weekend.

After taking 11 points from their last three games in the Aviva Premiership, including bonus point wins against Wasps and Bristol, Gloucester will be looking to continue their good form when they welcome La Rochelle to Kingsholm.